"Francoise has been a highly valued member of our executive team and it's a testament that her exposure and experience at ManpowerGroup has prepared her well to take on this level of responsibility," said Jeff Joerres, Chairman and CEO of ManpowerGroup. "On behalf of our entire organization, I am personally proud and excited for her."

Gri's contributions to ManpowerGroup's success are numerous. She began her career with the company just over five years ago as Executive Vice President & President of Manpower France, ManpowerGroup's single largest market. Over the past two years, Gri expanded her responsibility to lead ManpowerGroup's recently created Southern Europe region. Gri's leadership went beyond the company's walls. Her involvement in organizations such as the World Economic Forum Women Leaders Programme and her recently published book on "Women Power" are clear demonstrations of her commitment to women in the workforce, as well as at ManpowerGroup. In 2009, Gri received the prestigious Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur (equivalent to a knighthood) by former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin. This world-renowned Order is the highest decoration in France. Last month, Gri was named to Fortune's International 50 Most Powerful Women in Business list for the ninth consecutive year. Despite this year's fierce competition, Gri retained a ranking of 31 st position from 2011.

"I am proud that we could be part of helping Francoise achieve this prestigious recognition for the valuable work that she does," added Joerres. "Francoise has been a great ambassador of the ManpowerGroup brand, and I know that she will continue to be as she moves on to the next stage of her career."

"The past 5 and half years as President of ManpowerGroup Southern Europe have been a rewarding and passionate experience," said Francoise Gri, President of ManpowerGroup Southern Europe. "I take with me the great learnings and experiences that I've had during my time in this truly unique company, and I move on knowing, with confidence, that the ManpowerGroup team is engaged, committed and ready to lead as the global innovative workforce solutions provider in the marketplace."

Alain Roumilhac, who most recently served as President of Experis and ManpowerGroup Solutions in France as well as Segment leader for Experis Southern Europe, has been promoted to President of ManpowerGroup France, effective immediately. Prior to joining ManpowerGroup, Alain was previously CEO of Osiatis - a French company that specialized in IT Management services. And prior to that, Alain had spent 20 years in various positions in IBM, with his last position there as Vice President of Business Lines IBM Global Services West Region.

Gri will continue leading Southern Europe until her planned departure at the end of the year. ManpowerGroup's going forward leadership strategy for Southern Europe will be announced in due course.